I’m really liking the gun-to-hand fit (along with numerous other aspects) of the CZ 75B SA I got last December (pic below). Only a 1911 fits my hand as well. Every few days I get back out the G19 that I shot regularly and carried daily for the past 3 years, and increasingly wonder “How did I ever handle this?”. I still think the G19 carries great and is superbly reliable. Holding the CZ versus the G19 though, is like having your hand covered by a glove versus a cardboard box.
Since its acquisition, the CZ has served me very well at a couple of IDPA matches, riding in a traditional leather pancake OWB (Galco Combat Master), which for general range use is fine. I would now really like to try carrying the CZ though, for which in my case an IWB is the way-to-go. I am foregoing here an exhaustive argument of IWB versus OWB versus whatever else – been there/done that. Just take as given that the IWB choice is made.
Likewise (as the title of this thread indicates) on the leather versus kydex debate. Each has it ups and downs – but for this gun – again, the decision is already for leather.
For those unfamiliar, this is a very full-sized all-steel pistol – as manly as any 5-inch 1911. Whatever holster selection is made must keep that in mind. Unfortunately, not nearly as many holsters are made for it as 1911’s, Glocks, etc.
Lastly, the only other consideration I need to keep is for easy on-off capability, especially while seated behind the wheel. Between work, home, and running errands, whatever gun I am carrying gets moved around a lot. I just don’t have the time or latitude for a lot of fiddling around with clumsy belt loops, etc.
The #3 is my favorite of all of Kramer’s IWB designs-another recommendation for it. You also might want to look at Matt Del Fatti-I was extremely impressed with a OWB holster that I had from him for my previous CZ75B, in terms of both function and comfort. Another recommendation would be for Galco’s Royal Guard IWB.
HBE Speacialty Leatherworks OS Pro is a great IWB holster.
The last order I placed with him was filled in a matter of weeks.
I never tried the OS Pro for a CZ, but think I remember seeing several examples on his website.
The Nossar Valovak is still my favorite, but the HBE OS Pro is a very good holster. The HBE is also cheaper and faster to get.
I have carried a full size 1911 in both the OS Pro and Nossar Valovak and both are very comfortable and concealable with a 1911 on me.
They are actually pretty comfy. I’ve been using one of the ‘striker’ IWB holsters for a couple years now on a commander size 1911 and it’s very comfy. The clips are also pretty easy-on easy-off which has been helpful in a couple situations.
They come from him pretty tight, and at first it almost seems impossible that it was made for your gun. My procedure with his stuff thus far as been to put the gun in the holster with some light oil on it, and let it sit there overnight, and then try wearing it around for a day and it will break in.
MAJOR +1 to this and as for customer service let me say…way +1 to these folks.
I ordered one of their #3’s for my EDC 1911 and wanted it prior to my last deployment. There was pretty good wait time…(2 months) when I originally ordered. That was fine I knew it going into the order.
Go figure a week or 2 after I ordered I had a request to rotate in earlier than my expected date. I wanted the holster for my deployment so I called them and asked what the quickest turn around was. They stated that if could verify my departure date for them they would run the build on it immediately and have it delivered prior to my fly day.
I did that and not only did they have it in my hands 2 weeks prior to my departure but they discounted it significantly when they finally billed my CC.
I am extremely happy with this holster and the workmanship is amongst the best I’ve seen.
I have excactly the same problem. It goes on in the morning ,comes off before work, goes on after work and comes off the go to post office. What i use is the Bianchi professional. I have used the size 100 for the last 10 years and it has held up really good thrue all the sweat dirty and abuse. I just wipe the inside with leather cleaner every few months and its gtg.
Sure is a lot to look at here – definitely a too-many-choices situation. Trouble with all the stuff on the web is that there is no way to see anything in-hand/real-world. Local gun store selections are extremely limited.
If the reason for leather is because you want to preserve the gun’s finish, the Tucker Silent Thunder is leather lined kydex, and a great holster. Very fast turn around time and great customer service too.
I haven’t used them, but the Cover Up and Half-Tac look like good options too.
I didn’t see the 75B on the list of guns the Silent Thunder is made for, but it is on the list for leather holsters. My experience with Tucker was great. Very responsive and really good to deal with.
I’ve got Kramer #3’s for SIG’s, Glock 19, and a 5" 1911 with a rail, so if you want to borrow one and wear it around a bit to get a feel for it, no problem.
